Method and device for secure disposal of an article

ABSTRACT

A method and structure for a secure storage container having a front and back shell and a locking mechanism built in such that the secure storage container cannot be opened after being closed and a disposal method utilizing the secure storage container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application claims priority to co-pending provisionalapplication U.S. 61/621,729, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a method and device for thedisposal of an article. In particular, the present invention relates toa secure disposal container and method of disposal thereof. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a device and method forsafely and securely destroying and, if desired, recycling electronicdata storage devices such as hard drives, cell phones or otherelectronic data-containing devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

The inventors have found that there is a need for the safe and securedestruction of electronic data storage devices such as computer andserver hard drives and other electronic data storage devices including,but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cellphones. These devices frequently contain a great deal of sensitiveinformation which should be kept confidential and securely destroyedwhen no longer needed. In the absence of a secure disposal method, andwith the appropriate knowledge, technology, and protocols, thisinformation is easily retrievable and can lead to identity theft, theexposure of sensitive personal and professional information, and otheradverse effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, and other, exemplary problems, drawbacks, anddisadvantages of the conventional systems, it is an exemplary feature ofthe present invention to provide a structure, system and method for thesecure disposal of articles such as electronic data storage devices.

In a first aspect of the present invention, to achieve the above andother features, and purposes, described herein is a storage deviceincluding a front shell including a locking mechanism, and a back shellincluding a locking mechanism complementary to the locking mechanism ofthe front shell and configured such that, once engaged with the lockingmechanism of the front shell, a cavity formed between the front shelland the back shell is closed and the front shell and the back shellcannot be separated without damaging the storage device.

Through the use of an electronics destruction container, which cannot beopened without visible signs of tampering or damage, it becomes possibleto verify that sensitive information on electronic data storage devicesplaced therein has not been accessed from the time when the destructioncontainer is closed by the user to the time when the destructioncontainer reaches its destination and is disposed of.

Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a method of disposingof an electronic data storage device. The method including providing toa user a disposal container having a front shell and a back shell whichinclude a locking mechanism configured so that once engaged the frontand back shell cannot be separated without damage to the disposalcontainer, the disposal container including a chamber within which isclosed when the front and back shell are engaged together, placing anelectronic data storage device into the chamber, joining the front shellto the back shell so as to engage the locking mechanism, transportingthe disposal container to a disposal location, and disposing of thedisposal container and the electronic data storage device thereinwithout opening the disposal container.

Through the use of such a procedure, it can be ensured that sensitiveinformation in electronic data storage devices has not been accessedbefore disposal.

Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a system for securelydisposing of an article. The system includes assigning an identificationnumber to a disposal container, the disposal container including achamber for storing the article and configured such that once closed thedisposal container cannot be opened without damage, receivingregistration information on the article including contact informationfrom a user, receiving tracking information during transit of thedisposal container from the user to a disposal facility, communicatingthe tracking information to the user, recording images of an inspectionof the disposal container during receipt at the disposal facility,communicating the images of the inspection to the user, recording animage of the disposal container as it is being destroyed, andcommunicating the image of the disposal container as it is beingdestroyed to the user.

Such a system can allow a user to verify visually that their electronicsdisposal container and the electronic data storage device(s) placedtherein have not been accessed before disposal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other purposes, aspects and advantages will be betterunderstood from the following detailed description of exemplarynon-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a disposalcontainer 1;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary locking member (9, 10);

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section taken along line I-I, including alocking mechanism (9, 10) of the exemplary storage container 1 of FIG.1;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate an exemplary spacer 23 for the exemplarystorage container 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of lips 17 and side walls6 of the exemplary storage container 1 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of theinvention where multiple article cavities are present in the disposalcontainer;

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate a cross-section taken along lines II-II ofan exemplary locking mechanism of the exemplary storage container 201 ofFIG. 6;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate an exemplary alignment mechanism of theexemplary storage container 201 of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate cross-sections taken along lines III-IIIand IV-IV of the exemplary storage container 201 of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 10 c illustrate views of an exemplary plug 14 usedto cover a hole at the locking mechanism (209, 210).

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d illustrate a top view and side views oftray 350 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method of disposing of an electronicdata device; and

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate an exemplary shell with an identificationlabel 501.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anelectronics disposal container 1 provides safe and secure destruction orrecycling of electronic data storage devices 2 such as computer andserver hard drives and other data storage devices including, but notlimited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cell phones. Theelectronics disposal container 1 includes a hollow container made of,for example, recyclable plastic or metal into which electronic datastorage devices 2 are placed. Single-unit 1 (e.g., FIG. 1) andmulti-unit 201 (e.g., FIG. 6) containers can be manufactured. Thecontainers are manufactured with a locking mechanism that, once closed,cannot be opened without the device showing obvious signs of tampering.

The electronics disposal container 1 is a secure shipping and disposaldevice that remains tightly closed once the electronic data storagedevice(s) 2 are placed within it. The electronics disposal container 1and the electronic data storage device(s) 2 therein may then beshredded, burned or otherwise disposed of without the electronicsdisposal container 1 ever being opened once it has been closed.

The electronics disposal container 1 can be made of materials that are100% recyclable through common recycling shredders (e.g., plastic,metal, resin, etc.).

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 a-1 c, in an exemplary embodiment, the deviceincludes two ends. For the sake of simplicity, one is referred to as afront shell 3 and the other as a back shell 4. Of course, the frontshell 3 and back shell 4 may be structurally the same. Indeed, in anexemplary embodiment the front shell 3 and back shell 4 are structurallythe same or identical.

Each of the front shell 3 and back shell 4 includes a base portion 5,side walls 6 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the baseportion 5, and interior walls 8. When joined the respective interiorwalls 8 of each shell define a cavity 7 inside (e.g., See FIG. 1).

As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 a and 3 b, each of the front shell 3 andthe back shell 4 includes locking members. An exemplary embodiment ofthe locking members include a male locking pin 9 having an arrow headstyle locking mechanism which can fit into a female locking slot 10.

The length of the shaft 11 from the base 12 to the tapered head 13 ofthe male portion of the locking pin 9 is slightly longer than the depthof the female locking slot 10 of the locking mechanism prior to alocking surface/ridge 21, so that the tapered head 13 can clear theridge 21. When the male and female portions of the locking mechanism arefully engaged, they assume their original dimensions and they cannot bewithdrawn from one another. The electronics disposal container 1 isdesigned so as to never be reopened after its initial closure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a taperedhead 13 on a distal end of the male locking pin 9 which is configured tofit into a female locking slot 10. The female locking slot 10 includes ahollow cavity 19. The space between the side walls 20 of the hollowcavity 19 is slightly wider than the thickness of the shaft 11 of themale locking pin 9 and narrower that the base of the tapered head 22.The sidewalls of the female locking slot 10 are pliable and are designedso that the space between them can widen as the tapered head 13 passedbetween them on closure but they return to their original configurationonce the tapered head 13 passes ridge 21 thus preventing removal of themale portion of the locking mechanism from the female portion of thelocking mechanism once locking system is closed. The female locking slot10 may end where the female portion of the locking mechanism widens tocreate a ridge 21 beyond which the tapered head 13 can be passed so asto lock the locking system. The tapered head 13 tapers toward the distalend of the male locking pin 9. The base 22 of the tapered head 13connects to the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9. The base 22 of thetapered head 13 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axialdirection of the male locking pin 9 so as to provide a surface which canlock against the inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10.

When formed, both the front and back shells can have the base of themale and female locking members open to an outside of the respectiveshell. This improves molding efficiency. The holes are then covered withplug 14. An exemplary plug 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 11 a-11 d.

In an exemplary embodiment, the front shell 3 and back shell 4 can fittogether to form a single chamber 7 therein. This single chamber 7,optionally, may be the size of a hard drive or other electronic datastorage device 2 (EDC). Alternatively, the electronics disposalcontainer 1 can have a front shell 3 and back shell 4 formed withmultiple chambers 7. In one aspect of the invention, the depth of thecomplementary sides of chamber 7 in each of the front and back shell (3,4) are the same.

In order to prevent the shells from locking together prematurely, thefront and back shell (3, 4) may have a spacer 23 placed between themprior to use, as shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B,such a spacer 23 maybe formed with holes 24 complementary to the malelocking pins. The spacer 23 can have raised lips 70 on its outerperimeter to engage with the perimeter edges of the front and back shell(3, 4). The spacer 23 can include a tab 26 which is an extension of thespacer 23 above the perimeter lips and include instructions and ahanging hole 27 for storage in a store display. This can also allow asimple shrink wrap band to enclose the container for packaging which canproduce substantial packaging savings.

As shown in FIG. 5, for increased security, the front and back shells(3, 4) can include lip(s) 17 which extend toward the opposite shell.Such lip(s) 17 may be arranged in a spaced manner or continuously aroundthe perimeter of the side walls 6 so as to completely seal the perimeterbetween the front shell 3 and the back shell 4 when they are lockedtogether. Such a configuration may include a recess(es) 18 side wall 6of the opposite shell into which the lip(s) 17 may be accommodated. Thelip(s) 17 and the opposing recess(es) 18 may be located on the interiorside of the side wall 6. In areas where the lip(s) 17 is an extension orthe exterior portion of side wall 6, the opposing recess(es) is locatedon the interior of the opposing shell and in areas where the lip(s) 17is an extension or the interior portion of side wall 6, the opposingrecess(es) is located on the exterior of the opposing shell. Because theshells are identical and complementary when they are locked together,this provides a lip around the entire perimeter of the shell preventingaccess to its interior without showing signs of damage.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-9, another exemplary embodiment of the inventionincludes a disposal container with multiple layers with multiplecavities per layer. Exemplary embodiments of themulti-layered/multi-cavity unit 201 can be the same as those of thesingle unit 1 except the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 havemultiple cavities within their interior walls 273 and the number ofcavities within the unit can be increased with the addition of anintermediate tray 350 or trays.

Each of the front shell 203 and back shell 204 includes a base portion205, side walls 206 extending around the perimeter of the shell from thebase portion 205, and interior walls 208.

In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-layered/multi-cavity unit 201 hastwo ends with a front shell 203 and the back shell 204 formed with alocking mechanism in each corner. Each locking mechanism is made with amale locking pin 209 that can fit into a female locking slot 210 on anopposing and complementary shell.

In addition, the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 can include malealignment pins 215 that fit into female alignment slots 216 on anopposing and complementary shell. These male alignment pins 215 may bealternated with the male locking pins 209 and the female locking slots210 may be alternated with the female aligning slots 216 around aperimeter of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment the front shell 203 can be connecteddirectly to the back shell 204 to produce a complete unit with, forexample, six cavities formed by the front shell 203 and the back shell204. When engaged, the alignment pin(s) and locking pin(s) on one shellengage with the opposing alignment slot(s) and locking slot(s) on theopposing and complementary shell and the shells cannot be separatedwithout showing signs of tampering.

In an exemplary embodiment, an intermediate tray (or trays) 350 isplaced between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. Each tray 350also has multiple cavities within their interior walls 373 that alignwith the interior walls of each shell 273.

Each of the intermediate trays may include a base portion 305, sidewalls 306 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the baseportion 305, and interior walls 308.

As illustrated in exemplary FIGS. 11A and 11B, the intermediate tray 350may be formed so as to have male locking pins 309, female locking slots310, male alignment pins 315, and female alignment slots 316 that canengage respectively with the female locking slots 210/310, male lockingpins 209/309, female alignment slots 216/316, and male alignment pins215/315 on opposing and complementary shells 203/204 or trays 350. Themultiple layer system allows the front shell 203 to lock onto anintermediate tray 350, intermediate trays 350 to lock into each other,and similarly allows the back shell 204 to lock on to an opposite sideof an intermediate tray 350.

In other words, the front shell 203 may be locked directly to anintermediate tray 350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 orback shell 204, multiple intermediate trays 350 may be locked to otherintermediate trays 350 independent of the front shell 203 and the backshell 204 and the back shell 204 may be locked to the final intermediatetray 350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 or the frontshell 203. Thus, while the multi-layer unit 201 is being filled, theintermediate trays 350 can optionally be locked into place one by one aseach layer is filled. This may provide increased stability and security.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, by designing the shells 203, 204 andthe tray(s) 350 with complementary elements it is possible to stackmultiple intermediate trays 350 between the front shell 203 and the backshell 204. For instance, the front shell 203 can lock onto a firstintermediate tray 350 which in turn locks onto a second intermediatetray 350, the second intermediate tray 350 locks onto a thirdintermediate tray 350, and so on. The last intermediate tray 350opposite the front shell 203 locks onto the back shell 204 creating afully sealed structure with the front and back shells (203, 204)disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate trays 350.

With the use of alternating male and female locking mechanisms 209, 210and alignment pins 215, 216 around a perimeter of the shells andalternating male and female locking mechanisms 309, 310 and alignmentmembers 315, 316 around a perimeter of the trays, in an exemplaryembodiment of the front and back shells (203, 204) can be madeinterchangeable. To lock the front shell 203 to the back shell 204 theshells are positioned so that the male and female locking members (209,210) and the male and female alignment members (215, 216) are aligned.Similarly, only one form of an intermediate tray 350 is needed. Suchuniformity can reduce production and logistical costs by limiting thenumber of different parts needed to be manufactured and inventoried. Forinstance, in a multiple layer device 201 only three types of parts mayneed to be molded for the enclosure shells/trays (e.g., the front/backshell part, the intermediate tray(s) part, and plugs).

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b the multi-layer electronics disposalcontainer 201 can utilize a locking system which, in the case of thefront and back shells 203/204, includes a male locking pin 209 with atapered head 213 on its distal end which is configured to fit into afemale locking slot 210 of a shell 203/204 or a female locking slot 310of a tray 350. The locking system also includes a female locking slot210. The female locking slot 210 includes a hollow cavity 219. Thecavity 219 can be formed by side wall 220. The female locking slot 210may end at a ridge 221 past which the tapered head 213 can be insertedso as to lock the locking system. The length of the shaft 211 of themale locking pin is greater than a length of the female locking slot 210so that the tapered head 213 extends past the ridge 221when the lockingsystem is closed. The tapered head 213 can taper toward the distal endof the male locking pin 209 to ease closure. The base 222 of the taperedhead 213 connects to the shaft 211 of the male locking pin 209. The base222 of the tapered head 213 may extend in a direction orthogonal to theaxial direction of the male locking pin 209 so as to provide a surfacewhich can lock against the inner ridge 221 of the female locking slot210. In addition, the tapered head 213 and the distal portion of theshaft 211 may include a slit portion 271 disposed, for example, in acenter thereof and extending in the axial direction. The slit portion271 allows the tapered head and shaft to compress inward when insertedinto the female locking slot 210, and to expand when the tapered headpasses beyond ridge 211. The base 222 of the tapered head 213 may extendin a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin209 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge221 of the female locking slot 210.

The intermediate tray 350 also utilizes a locking system which includesa male locking pin 309 with a tapered head 313 on its distal end whichis configured to fit into a female locking slot 210 of a shell 203/204or the female locking slot 310 of a tray which is a compliment to thesystem of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. This lockingsystem also includes a female locking slot 310 which is configuredreceive a male locking pin 209 of a shell 203/204 or a male locking pin309 of a tray which is a compliment to the system of the front shell 203and the back shell 204. The female locking slot 310 includes a hollowcavity 319. The cavity 319 can be formed by side wall 320.

The female locking slot 310 may end at a ridge 321 past which thetapered head 313 can be inserted so as to lock the locking system. Alength of the shaft 311 of the male locking pin 309 is greater than alength of the female locking slot 310 so that the tapered head 313extends past the ridge 321. The tapered head 313 can taper toward thedistal end of the male locking pin 309 to ease closure. The base 322 ofthe tapered head 313 connects to the shaft 311of the male locking pin309. The base 322 of the tapered head 313 may extend in a directionorthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 309 so as toprovide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 321 of thefemale locking slot 310. In addition, the tapered head 313 and thedistal portion of the shaft 311 may include a slit portion 371 disposed,for example, in a center thereof and extending in the axial direction.The slit portion 371 allows the tapered head and shaft to compressinward when inserted into the small width portion 326 of the femalelocking slot and to expand when the tapered head passes into the largewidth portion 375.

In an exemplary embodiment of the intermediate tray 350, the locationwhere male locking pin 309 extends outward from the tray is aligned withthe location where, on an opposite side of the intermediate tray, thefemale locking slot 310 goes onto the tray.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, male alignment pins and femalealignment slots may be included in the front 203 and back 204 shells andon the tray 350. In an exemplary embodiment, the male locking pins 209and female locking slots 210 can be alternately provided around aperimeter of the front 203 and back shell 204. In such a structure, malealigning pins 215 can be disposed near the female locking slot 210 andthe female aligning slot 216 can be disposed near the male locking pin209 (e.g., a male locking pin, is disposed in the same corner as afemale alignment slot and a female locking slot is disposed in the samecorner as a male locking pin). Similarly, on the tray 350, male aligningpins 315 can be disposed near the female locking slot 310 and the femalealigning slot 316 can be disposed near the male locking pin 309 (e.g., amale locking pin is disposed in the same corner as a female alignmentslot and a female locking slot is disposed in the same corner as a malelocking pin). In other words, the male alignment pins 315 and femalealignment slots 316 can be arranged on the intermediate tray 350 so asto be complementary with the alignment pins of the front and backshells.

The alignment pins can allow greater stability when locked and a morerobust resistance to torsion. Such an arrangement can also allow theshells/intermediate trays to be stable when placed on a flat surfacebecause the alternating male alignment pins 215/315 and male lockingpins 209/309 rise an equal distance from the edges of the trays.

After being formed, for example through injection molding, both thefront/back shells (203, 204) can have the base of the male or femalelocking portion (209, 210) open to an outside of the respective shell.This structure improves molding efficiency and costs. The holes are thenplugged with plugs 214.

In one aspect of the invention, the front and back shells (203, 204) canhave inner walls 273 to provide multiple chambers 274. The intermediatetray(s) 350 also include inner walls 373 and on both sides which arecomplementary to the inner walls 273 of the front and back shells. Thus,when joined the inner walls 273 of one shell (or the inner walls 373 ofan intermediate tray) align with the inner walls 273 of the oppositeshell (or the inner walls 373 of an intermediate tray) so as to form themultiple chambers 274. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 6, both thefront shell 203 and the back shell 204 each have inner walls 273 whichform six chambers 274.

Similarly, the intermediate trays 350 include inner walls 373 so as toform six chambers 274 on each side thereof. Thus, a combination of afront shell 203, an intermediate tray 350, and a back shell 204 willhave twelve chambers 274. By adding an additional intermediate tray 350the number of chambers 274 is increased to eighteen chambers. Of course,any number in chambers 274 can be formed in each shell/tray so as tosuit the size of the devices stored and the size of the shells.

For increased security, the front and back shells (203, 204) can includelips 217 which extend in toward the opposite shell. Such lips 217 may bearranged in a spaced manner or alternately and can be arranged so as tocompletely seal the perimeter between the front shell 203 and the backshell 204 as shown. Such a configuration may include a recess 218 in theside wall 206 of the opposite shell into which the lip 217 may beaccommodated. This recess 218 may be located on the inside side of theside wall 206.

Similarly, intermediate tray 350 can include lips 317 and recesses 318which are complementary with the front shell 203 and the back shell 204.

As in the single unit, a spacer may be provided between the front andback shells (203, 204) and the intermediate tray(s) 350 prior to use toensure the locking members do not prematurely engage.

The procedure for distributing and disposing of the electronics disposalcontainer can be conducted in many ways.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process for disposing of an article. Inthe exemplary embodiment, a user may purchase the electronics disposalcontainer 1/201 online or at retail outlets individually or as part ofan order when purchasing a new electronic device S1. In addition to theelectronics disposal container, the customer would receive initialinstructions directing the customer to a web site that contains moredetailed instructions and a customer questionnaire, a shipping package401 that the customer will use to return the disposal container and itscontents to the destruction facility and stick-on labeling materials.

In the exemplary case of hard drives, the customer can remove the harddrive from his/her computer personally or the customer can have the harddrive removed from their computer at a retail outlet.

To maintain security for the customer, the system/method of the presentinvention will be able to provide a secure chain of custody for thedevice through the entire logistics and recycling process.

For instance, the electronics disposal container may includeinstructions printed (stored) inside at the time of purchase ordelivery. In addition, instructions can be printed on the shells or thespacer 23. Such instructions can be related to the proper use of thecontainer and may include a web address where additional information andinstructions can be found. At the web address, the user can fill out adetailed online questionnaire requesting information such as their name,address, email address, and the product being disposed of, number ofitems in the container, type of the electronic data storage device beingshipped, whether the device shipped includes a battery, etc S2 and S3.At the web address the user can find detailed information andillustrations on how to remove a hard drive from different types ofcomputers. The website may also include detailed instructions on how toprint shipping label and the customer identifying label that will beaffixed to the electronics disposal container including a walkthrough ofthe steps and information on how to set up the user's particular printerto properly print the labels. Such details can include specificinstructions for the user's individual printer type and model S4.

Included with the electronic disposal container 1/201 is a shippingcontainer 401 with a pre-addressed shipping label 402 attached.Alternatively, the shipping label 402 may be printed by the user andaffixed to the shipping container. The shipping container 401 and theelectronics recycling device 1/201 should have matching bar codes onthem for identification. When used, the purchaser will register theirshipment of the electronics recycling device 1/201 to the recycleron-line at a secure website S2. Their registration number will berelated to the bar code on their electronics recycling device 1/201.Also included inside the electronics disposal container is anidentification label 501.

Once the user information is determined, the identification label 501can be printed S3 (e.g., see FIG. 13). Included on the identificationlabel will be the shipping information and barcode. In addition, avisual identifier 503 can be included on the label. Such a visualidentifier can include three randomly chosen symbols. Alternatively, theuser can choose the symbols to be printed from a list or matrix S2 a.The symbols are not particularly limited and may be, for instance, asailboat, an omega and an ampersand. Of course, any number of visualidentifier characters or kinds images may be used.

If a battery is being shipped, then the first symbol can identify thedevice as including a battery, for example, a battery symbol S3 a.Identification of a battery is used so that the disposal facility knowsthat the electronics disposal container can be disposed of properly. Forinstance, instead of shredding an electronics disposal container 1/201containing a battery, the electronics disposal container 1/201containing the battery will be incinerated. Alternatively, other methodsmay be used to identify electronics recycling containers that containbatteries.

The identification labels 501 can then be placed on one or both of thefront and back shells S5. The front and back shells may include arecessed portion 35, 235 onto which the identification label 501 is tobe placed to ensure a proper or uniform label location.

In one exemplary aspect, the customer would register his or her shipmentwith their customer information, and their email address S2 b. Thetracking number can be associated with a barcode on the device.

A shipping identification number used by the shipper is unique to theuser and can be printed on both the shipping label and theidentification label attached to the electronics disposal container toprovide the shipping information and both can be easily scanned. Inaddition, if the shipping container were to be damage during transit,even if the electronics disposal container is separated from theshipping container, the shipping identification number printed on theidentification label can be scanned to ensure the electronics disposalcontainer is delivered.

A user can then place the electronics disposal container in the suppliedshipping container. A printed shipping label is then placed on theshipping container. The user can then drop the shipping container off atthe proper location for shipping S6.

During transit, the user can receive email updates when the product isreceived by the shipper, is in transit, and when received by thedisposal facility S7.

The barcode on the shipping container can be read upon its receipt atthe disposal facility S8. The barcode on the electronics recyclingdevice can be read when the shipping package is opened under videosurveillance S9.

Once inspected, a communication, such as an email, is sent to the usernotifying them that their electronics disposal container was received bythe disposal facility, either intact or that there was evidence oftampering S10.

If there is any evidence of tampering, then both the shipper and theuser would be notified immediately that the electronic device wasreceived in such manner that there was a possibility of tampering. Inaddition, the user can receive a copy of the video showing theinspection of the electronics recycling device.

If the electronic disposal container 1/201 shows evidence of tampering,then further manual processes will be employed S10 a. If the package wasreceived intact and there is no evidence of tampering, then theelectronics disposal container can be stored in a secure location andunder video/image surveillance until it is to be disposed of S11.

The electronic disposal container 1/201 is then processed for disposalS12. The electronics disposal container can be placed on a conveyor tothe disposal device in a position so that the identification label canbe scanned/read S13. Of course, the electronics disposal container canbe identified using other methods, such as radio frequencyidentification chip, imaging of the visual identifier, etc. If theinitial scan on the conveyor can positively relate the useridentification label on the disposal container to the user's file in thedatabase S13, the disposal container will proceed on the conveyor to thedisposal device. At the end of the conveyor, the scanned electronicsdisposal container will have a picture taken of the identification labeljust before or as the electronics disposal container is being destroyed(e.g., going into the disposal device). An image of the electronicsdisposal container being disposed of may be transmitted to the user(e.g., emailed) S14.

In the event that the identification barcode cannot be read/scanned andpositively related to a user in the database, the conveyor will stop,the electronics disposal container will be removed from the conveyor,and it will be processed with a non-automated method S13 a. Of course,the electronics disposal container can be removed from the conveyor inan automated fashion. The disposal device used can vary depending on thecontents of the electronic disposal container 1/201. For instance, anelectronic disposal container 1/201 containing a hard drive can be sentto a shredder and be shredded in a manner consistent with the applicableindustry standards (e.g., NIST 800-88 and DOD 5220.32-M). If theelectronic disposal container 1/201 contains a battery, it can bedisposed of in an incinerator or other approved means. In addition, ifthe customer has a preference for disposal means, then the electronicdisposal container 1/201 can be processed in the requested disposalmanner.

The above system is applicable to any electronics disposal container.However, the multi-layer electronics disposal container can includeother procedures. In the case of a multi-layer electronics disposalcontainer 201, once the electronics disposal container 201 is acquired,the user can catalog the electronic data storage devices paced within itindividually using their own system or software provided with thedevice. The details of the process can then be the same as those for thesingle unit described in FIG. 12 or any variation to satisfy the user'sneeds.

As an alternative, any of the electronics disposal containers 1/201 canbe sold individually and the end user can arrange their own disposal.This may be an attractive option for large companies who desire asecured shipping device. The company may then use their own systems fortracking or can use software provided with the purchase of theelectronics disposal container for inventorying the contents of thedisposal container and track its shipping to and destruction at thedestruction facility.

While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in viewof electronic data storage devices, it is possible to store any type ofdevice for which security is required within the disposal container suchas documents, or other physical articles which need to be transported ina secure manner.

While the invention has been described using exemplary components, anysimilar component can be used. For instance, the shaft of the maleportion of the locking mechanism and the shape of the female portion ofthe locking mechanism may be circular or square, the front shells may beof any shape, and the locking mechanism can be of some other form,without departing from the teachings and spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

Further, it is noted that, Applicant's intent is to encompassequivalents of all claim elements, even if amended later duringprosecution.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage device comprising: a front shell including a locking mechanism; and a back shell including a locking mechanism complementary to the locking mechanism of the front shell and configured such that, once engaged with the locking mechanism of the front shell, a cavity formed between the front shell and the back shell is closed and the front shell and the back shell cannot be separated without damaging the storage device.
 2. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising an intermediate tray having a locking mechanism complementary to each of the locking mechanism of the front shell and the locking mechanism of the back shell such the locking mechanism of the front shell is configured to lock to the locking mechanism of the intermediate tray and the locking mechanism of the back shell is configured so as to lock with the locking mechanism of the intermediate tray.
 3. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of intermediate trays configured such that a locking mechanism of one of the plurality of intermediate trays interlocks with the locking mechanism of one of the locking mechanism of the front shell and the locking mechanism of the back shell.
 4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism of the front shell includes a male locking pin and the complementary locking mechanism of the back shell includes a female slot.
 5. The storage device according to claim 4, wherein the male locking pin includes: a shaft extending from the front shell; and a tapered head on a distal end of the shaft opposite the front shell, wherein the tapered head includes a step portion where the shaft and the tapered head meet so as to form a ridge, and wherein the female locking slot includes: a small width portion formed in base shell into which the male locking pin can enter, the small width portion having a width less than a width of the tapered head and a length less than a length of the shaft; and a large width portion having a width greater than or equal to a width of the shaft, and wherein the female locking slot includes a slit in an axial direction thereof so as to allow walls of the female locking slot to flex away from each other when the tapered head is inserted into the small width portion.
 6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the front shell includes a base and side walls around a perimeter of the base, wherein the back shell includes a base and side walls around a perimeter of the base, and wherein the storage device further comprises: lips extending from a portion of the side walls of the front shell away from the base portion; and lips extending from a portion of the side walls of the back shell away from the base portion such that, when the front shell and the back shell are aligned to lock together, the lips of the front shell alternate around a perimeter of the side walls of the back shell.
 7. The storage device according to claim 6, wherein the lips of the front shell overlap a portion of the side walls of the back shell and the lips of the back shell overlap a portion of the side walls of the front shell.
 8. The storage device according to claim 7, wherein the lips of the front shell are disposed in recesses of the side walls of the back shell.
 9. The storage device according to claim 4, further comprising: an intermediate tray including a male locking pin complementary to the female locking slot of the back shell and a female locking slot complementary to the male locking pin of the front shell such that the male locking pin of the front shell is configured to lock to the female locking slot of the intermediate tray and female locking slot the back shell is configured so as to lock with male locking pin of the intermediate tray.
 10. The storage device according to claim 4, further comprising: a male alignment pin formed on the back shell adjacent to the female locking slot, and a female alignment slot formed on the front shell adjacent to the male locking pin so as to be complementary to the male alignment pin.
 11. The storage device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of intermediate trays are configured such that a locking mechanism of one of the plurality of intermediate trays interlocks with a locking mechanism of an other of the plurality of intermediate trays.
 12. The storage device according to claim 4, wherein the male locking pin includes: a shaft extending from the front shell; and a tapered head on a distal end of the shaft opposite the front shell, the tapered head including a split portion, wherein the tapered head includes a step portion where the shaft and the tapered head meet so as to form a ridge, and wherein the female locking slot includes: a small width portion formed in base shell into which the male locking pin can enter, the small width portion having a width less than a width of the tapered head and a length less than a length of the shaft; and a large width portion having a width greater than or equal to a width of the shaft. wherein split portion of the tapered head is configured such that, when the tapered head is inserted into the narrower width portion of the female locking slot, sides of the tapered head flex inward, and, when the tapered head is inserted past the narrower width portion of the female locking slot, the sides of the tapered head flex outward so as to engage the female locking slot.
 13. A method of disposing of an electronic data storage device, the method comprising: providing to a user a disposal container having a front shell and a back shell which include a locking mechanism configured so that once engaged the front and back shell can not be separated without damage to the disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber within which is closed when the front and back shell are engaged together; placing an electronic data storage device into the chamber; joining the front shell to the back shell so as to engage the locking mechanism; transporting the disposal container to a disposal location; and disposing of the disposal container and the electronic data storage device therein without opening the disposal container.
 14. The method according to claim 13 comprising: applying a random or user-generated visual identification to the disposal container prior to the transporting; capturing an image of the visual identification during the disposing of the disposal container; and sending the image to the user.
 15. The method according to 14, wherein the disposal container is formed of recyclable material.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the disposing of the disposal container and the electronic data storage device comprises shredding, incineration, or other destruction process to destroy the disposal container and the electronic device simultaneously.
 17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: applying an identification barcode to the disposable container; applying a shipping label to a shipping container and placing the disposable container in the shipping container; after the transporting, comparing the identification barcode and the shipping label to ensure the identification barcode is a match with the shipping label; and relating the shipping container and the disposal container to each other and to the user.
 18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: connecting an intermediate tray to one of the front shell and the back shell; and joining an other of the front shell and the back shell to the intermediate tray.
 19. The method according to claim 13, disposing a plurality of intermediate trays between the front shell and the back shell such that the front shell locks with an adjacent intermediate tray of the plurality of intermediate trays, and the back shell locks with an other intermediate tray between the intermediate tray adjacent the front shell and the back shell; and locking at least two of the plurality of intermediate trays disposed between the front shell and the back shell to each other.
 20. A non-transitory programmable storage medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform a method, the method comprising: assigning an identification number to a disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber for storing the article and configured such that once closed the disposal container cannot be opened without damage; receiving registration information on the article including contact information from a user; receiving tracking information during transit of the disposal container from the user to a disposal facility; communicating the tracking information to the user; recording images of an inspection of the disposal container during receipt at the disposal facility; communicating the images of the inspection to the user; recording an image of the disposal container as it is being destroyed; and communicating the image of the disposal container as it is being destroyed to the user. 